The Kodaris Community Show

Software features used to be a differentiator. Now AI can spin up a prototype in 30 minutes. So if every vendor can build the same thing, what should you actually be evaluating? In this episode, Margaret and Tony unpack how AI is reshaping the software industry from the inside out — collapsing the value of point solutions, accelerating platform consolidation, and making the traditional RFP process feel painfully outdated. They also dig into what a "multi-billion dollar experience" looks like when it's no longer reserved for companies with multi-billion dollar budgets. Yes, you can have it too. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode, Margaret Kelsey and Tony Zakula tackle a deceptively simple question: Is operations driving your customer experience? Or is customer experience driving your operations?From hidden data silos to overly rigid software, they dig into why many companies accidentally design their customer journey around internal processes. You’ll hear how you can use customer expectations to shape better processes and smarter tech.Tony explains why AI and digital tools aren’t the bottleneck anymore (humans are), how too much SaaS is giving everyone subscription fatigue (and data chaos), and why the most dangerous phrase in B2B is: “That’s just how we’ve always done it.”Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

What do Rocky Balboa, small distributors, and your next software vendor have in common? According to Kodaris CEO Tony Zakula: maybe a lot more than you'd think.In this episode, Margaret Kelsey and Tony dive deep into what it really means to build technology with the small, relationship driven, family-run businesses who may not have big corporate budgets, but definitely have determination and grit. They explore why the economy needs both giants and challengers, how "losing" a deal might be the best thing that ever happens to you, and why Zoom fatigue is no substitute for a good steak dinner (with other people, obviously). From AI to Amazon, pricing models to parables, this conversation is a reminder that business—at its core—is still about people. And probably always will be.Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by Jamie Reid and Jamie Irvine - both from Parts for Trucks.Learn about the commerce journey of Parts for Trucks, including the challenges faced with previous platforms, the importance of customer feedback, and the need for robust data management. The four deep dive into the crawl, walk, run approach to implementing changes and preparing for future technological advancements. The significance of understanding customer needs and the role of human interaction in technology adoption are also key areas where you will gain first hand knowledge of their experience and what they learned along the way. Key take aways?? Talk to your customers! That simple action could be what you are missing from little or no adoption to driving digital innovation. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by Logan Smith, Solutions Architect at Parksite. Listen in as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in payment processing for distributors. They discuss the evolution of payment methods, the significance of reconciliation, and the need for flexible business processes.The three also explore future trends in payment technology and the necessity of continuous improvement in business practices. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by our very own Mike Mazzoni, EVP, Platform Solutions.Listen in as they delve into the transformative role of AI in distribution. They discuss the evolution of AI technology, its impact on business strategies, the importance of good data (yes, sorry, it’s still crucial), and the future of AI agents.The three also share insights on how AI is influencing their personal and work lives. After all, repetitive work is everywhere. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret discuss how the fragmentation of SaaS solutions is creating a growing need for integration and consolidation in business software. Listen in to explore the evolution of software from traditional installations to cloud-based solutions and the importance of user experience in driving adoption. The two also discuss the role of AI in software development, along with predictions for the future of business software and the ongoing transition in the industry. Oh, and Margaret accidentally calls Tony “old”. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by Jeremy Ott, Director of E-commerce and Digital Marketing at Reinders.Listen in to learn about the change management and the  challenges and successes of CRM adoption. We share insights on how to effectively engage sales reps while creating a positive user experience with technology. We explore the  importance of continuous training, feedback, and the impact of speed and efficiency in sales processes. Ultimately, passion prevails to create enough trust to create the space for technology adoption that improves  business operations.Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by our very own Mike Mazzoni, EVP, Platform Solutions (previously Senior Director of Product Management at Infor).Listen in to learn about the evolving landscape of pricing strategies in distribution, where we focus on the current (and future) challenges faced by distributors and the innovative ideas for how technology can solve them. We explore the complexities of pricing, the importance of real-time data - especially in today’s climate, and the role of AI in optimizing pricing strategies. And, even given the “geekiness” of the topic, we have a lot of fun. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret are joined by Munawar Quaraishi, President of Safety Express. The three explore the importance of relationships and partnerships in business. They discuss how their collaboration began, the significance of clear expectations, and the need for authenticity in partnerships. The conversation emphasizes the value of delivering genuine value to customers rather than merely extracting profits, highlighting the essence of effective business relationships. Also discussed: the importance of effective feedbackthe value of curiosity in business relationships, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in technology. Join us for a time full of laughs with two CEOs who do not take themselves very seriously.Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com

In this episode of the Kodaris Community Show, hosts Tony and Margaret delve into the evolution of Kodaris, a Supply Chain Platform that has been innovating for nearly 11 years. They discuss the importance of customer engagement, the role of AI in enhancing business operations, and the community-driven approach that has shaped Kodaris's development. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities within the distribution industry, emphasizing the need for technology that delivers real business value. Tony shares the origin story of Kodaris, highlighting how customer feedback and collaboration have been integral to the platform's growth and success. Learn more about Kodaris at Kodaris.com